Modulation of host defenses with interferon-gamma in pediatrics.

One of the most consistent defects in the neonate's host defense system is in the ability of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) to move in a unidirectional fashion towards a chemotactic stimulus. Such impaired chemotaxis can be an important contributor to life-threatening neonatal infection. In vitro studies suggest that preincubation of PMNL from neonates with recombinant human interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) can enhance chemotactic responses. No other recombinant human cytokine except granulocyte colony-stimulating factor improved chemotaxis of PMNL from neonates. Similarly, pretreatment with rIFN-gamma has been shown to improve in vitro neutrophil chemotaxis in cells obtained from patients with hyperimmunoglobulinemia E (Job's) syndrome. These results suggest the need for controlled trials of rIFN-gamma in pediatric patients who are uniquely susceptible to tissue and pulmonary infections.